>

>

Article

Media

Report: Bout Between UFC Champ Anderson Silva And Chris Weidman Possible For July

After months of campaigning for a bout with UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva, it appears as though Chris Weidman has the backing of the UFC, and that the rising challenger could get a title shot when he returns from injury this summer.

According to a report from the Brazilian publication Tatame.com, the UFC is trying to sign a bout between Silva and Weidman for July 6th. A follow up report from MMA Junkie says that UFC President Dana White has confirmed that although the fight is not finalized, it’s in the works.

After Weidman (9-0) knocked out Mark Munoz last June, the former All American wrestler was tapped by White as the division’s number one contender. Weidman has been sidelined in recent months due to a shoulder injury.

Today’s news may come as a surprise to some, however, as Silva’s camp has expressed reservations in the past as to whether Weidman is a big enough of a pay-per-view draw at this stage of his career. Michael Bisping’s recent loss to Vitor Belfort in January, however, has left an opening as to Silva will face next.

The highly regarded Silva (33-4) hasn’t fought since last October, when he put away Stephan Bonnar in highlight reel fashion, following another stoppage win over Chael Sonnen in July.

posted by FCF Staff @ 6:26 pm

Have a comment about this story? Please share with us by filling out the fields below.